N‑acetylcysteine (NAC) to slow vision loss in retinitis pigmentosa with centralized OCT imaging support
NAC Attack, a phase-3, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with retinitis pigmentosa: OCT Reading Center
This project uses detailed OCT eye scans to see if N‑acetylcysteine (NAC) helps people with retinitis pigmentosa keep a key light‑sensing layer of their retina longer than a placebo.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306996 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have retinitis pigmentosa, the project collects high‑resolution spectral‑domain OCT eye scans at participating clinic visits and sends them securely to a central Reading Center. Trained graders at the Reading Center measure the ellipsoid zone (the light‑sensing layer) length and area on each scan to track change over time. Those measurements are used to compare people taking NAC with people taking a placebo across the phase‑3 trial. The Reading Center also trains and certifies clinic staff, uses validated web tools to upload and store images, and follows regulatory and data‑security standards.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa who meet the NAC Attack trial's inclusion criteria and can attend regular clinic visits for OCT imaging would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without retinitis pigmentosa, those unable to undergo OCT imaging, or those with very advanced, end‑stage retinal loss are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could show that NAC slows retinal degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa and helps preserve vision longer.
How similar studies have performed: Early‑stage and laboratory studies of antioxidants including NAC have suggested possible retinal protection, but large phase‑3 evidence is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jaffe, Glenn — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Jaffe, Glenn
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.